Mike’s Journal

*Note: This journal post was originally published on May 22, 2009* Earlier this month, I officially started down another path within the American Farriers Association. I worked my first certification as a provisional tester for the AFA. The structure of…

*Note: This journal post was originally published on April 1, 2009* The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and horses are losing shoes. Every year around this time I experience massive amounts of “flat tires.” A couple…

*Note: This journal post was originally published on March 13, 2009* I’m very excited to debut what my web developer and I are calling Alpha Farrier Services 2.0! In an effort to create a true community between myself, my clients…

*Note: This journal post was originally published on February 26, 2009* Quarter cracks. Sand cracks. Clefts. There are lots of names for cracks in your horse’s feet. The question is, when should you call for help if you see a…

*Note: This journal post was originally published on December 30, 2008* It’s been a pretty good first year! The business keeps growing, the horses that were new to me in June are becoming close friends and I’m smiling a whole…

*Note: This journal post was originally published on November 23, 2008* The first weekend in November brings about a yearly tradition for me – the North Carolina Horseshoeing Contest in Reidsville, NC. I go to contests to challenge myself. This…

*Note: This journal post was originally published on October 1, 2008* I spend a lot of time talking about the importance of Certification. I use the American Farriers Association as an example, but any effort towards furthering one’s skill is…

* Note: This journal post was originally published on September 25, 2008* I was just doing research for a presentation and while looking for references on hoof shape all I could find was information about “natural/barefoot” methods (caring for domesticated…

*Note: This journal post was originally published on August 19, 2008* If your horse is experiencing hoof soreness he might need a barshoe. A barshoe is any shoe with the heels connected. The specific features of the shoe are what…

*Note: This journal post was originally published on July 12, 2008* Of all the tools that we have at our disposal, is there any one more valuable than being able to discuss the problems that we face? Sure, action is important. But…